Upcoming DVD Releases

It has been a relatively quiet past couple of months, in terms of Disney
home video releases. January and February only brought a one direct-to-video
premiere and a series of movie-only DVDs. Pretty humdrum stuff. The future
was looking downright bleak, including the utter lack of the widely anticipated
Lilo & Stitch Special Edition DVD. Then, a couple of weeks ago,
Disney made the announcements for the DVDs listed below. Some look very
promising while others are a bit more pedestrian. Of these, I am really
looking forward to the three Miyazaki Special Edition DVDs and the 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea Special Edition DVD. Hopefully, we will see
some more great family DVDs announced for the second half of 2003 in the
coming months. [Clicking on the titles takes you to their respective
press releases, below.]

April 1

• The Lion King: Circle of Life Sing Along Songs
• Sing A Song With Pooh Bear And Piglet Too

• $19.99 each

April 15

• Spirited Away

  2-Disc DVD

• Castle In The Sky

  2-Disc DVD

• Kiki’s Delivery Service

  2-Disc DVD

• $29.99 each

April 29

• Treasure Planet

• Treasure Island (live action)
• $29.99

  each

May 13

• Atlantis: Milo’s Return
• 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Special Edition DVD

  2-Disc DVD

• $29.99 each

June 3

• Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase
• $24.99

Lion King and Sing a Song With Pooh Bear

FIRST TIME ON DISNEY DVD ON APRIL 1st

DISNEY’S SING ALONG SONGS

The Lion King: Circle Of Life Sing Along Songs

The Industry’s #1 Video Franchise Debuts on DVD

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – Premiering on Disney DVD are Disney’s Sing Along Songs – back with more songs and new learning-themed activities to provide even more fun! These entertaining and educational musical treats are available April 1 with two brand-new titles that have been updated for a new generation of consumers. Sing, play and learn along with your favorite Disney songs featuring Simba, Winnie The Pooh, and a host of beloved characters with The Lion King: Circle Of Life and Sing A Song With Pooh Bear And Piglet Too. Each animated title is available to own on Disney DVD for $19.99 (S.R.P) from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

Both DVDs come with exclusive bonus features that were developed in cooperation with leading educational experts. Disney’s Word Time activity helps promote word and letter recognition, and Songs of Note is a rhythm-themed feature that encourages children to repeat the musical pattern they have heard. And, you can also sing along to your favorite tunes in three different languages! The Lion King: Circle Of Life activities are themed to jungle animals and adventures, and bonus tracks include new sing alongs from the upcoming theatrical movie of Jungle Book II. Sing A Song With Pooh Bear And Piglet Too bonus features include your favorite friends from the Hundred Acre Wood, and also has 3 new sing alongs from the newest Pooh theatrical film, Piglet’s Big Movie.

The extra-special DVD bonus features for The Lion King: Circle Of Life Sing Along Songs and Sing A Song With Pooh Bear And Piglet Too include:

• Word Time Activity
• Songs of Note Musical Activity
• Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Sing Along in English, Spanish or French (The Lion King: Circle of Life)
• Sing Along in English, Spanish or Italian (Sing A Song With Pooh Bear and Piglet Too)

Street date: April 1, 2003

Suggested retail price: $19.99 DVD each

DVD aspect ratio: 1.33:1 formatted 4×3

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Run times:

• The Lion King: Circle Of Life Sing Along Songs approximately 40 minutes

• Sing A Song With Pooh Bear and Piglet Too approximately 36 minutes

Rating: Not rated

Spirited Away

Best Animated Feature – New York Film Critics Circle Awards

Walt Disney Studios Presents a Studio Ghibli Film

The Best Reviewed Film of 2002*

The Magnificent Film From

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – The Walt Disney Studios proudly presents Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, a Studio Ghibli film, the acclaimed cinematic triumph from Japan’s most renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, which will debut on a 2-disc DVD and on VHS on April 15, 2003. This amazing animated masterpiece, a treasure for the entire family, includes both a stellar English language voice cast (produced by Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story and A Bug’s Life director John Lasseter) and the original Japanese language track (on the DVD). Presented in a pristine digital picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spirited Away on DVD offers a range of fascinating bonus features, including a behind-the-scenes featurette on the film’s voice talent, a look at the film’s amazing production art, an introduction by John Lasseter and more. Spirited Away’s U.S. Theatrical run has been greeted with wild enthusiasm from critics and audiences everywhere, and the movie has earned an enviable number of awards to date, including “Best Animated Feature” wins from the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the National Board of Review.

A milestone work of unparalleled brilliance, Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is available on 2-disc DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.) and on VHS for $19.99 (S.R.P) Spirited Away features a top-notch line-up of vocal talents. Daveigh Chase, the voice of ‘Lilo’ in Disney’s Lilo and Stitch, plays the title role of Chihiro, Spirited Away’s ten-year old heroine. The film also stars Suzanne Pleshette (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, TV’s “The Bob Newhart Show”) Jason Marsden (An Extremely Goofy Movie), Susan Egan (Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure), David Ogden Stiers (Lilo and Stitch, Beauty and the Beast), Lauren Holly (What Women Want, TV’s “Picket Fences”), Michael Chiklis (TV’s “The Shield”), John Ratzenberger (TV’s “Cheers”), and Tara Strong (TV’s “Rugrats” and “The Powerpuff Girls”).

The English language version of Spirited Away is executive produced by John Lasseter, the Academy Award .-winning director of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story 2. Lasseter states, “We’re incredibly busy at Pixar, but when I was asked to help with this I said ‘yes’ without any hesitation because I wanted to see this film come to America. And I wanted it to happen in a way that would be really respectful of the masterpiece Miyazaki created. He is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time and he has been a tremendous inspiration to our generation of animators. ‘Toy Story’ owes a huge debt of gratitude to him.” Spirited Away has won over the hearts of film-lovers young and old. The movie has earned the honor of being the best critically reviewed film of the year, based on Metacritic.com’s website, which tallies critical reviews nationwide. Spirited Away is the story of a ten-year-old girl, Chihiro (Daveigh Chase) who follows her parents (Michael Chiklis and Lauren Holly) into a seemingly abandoned amusement park. When night falls, Chihiro finds herself whisked away to an utterly fantastic place where spirits are real. Chihiro must learn to overcome her fears as she faces a set of unique challenges in a world as incredible as any ever seen in cinema. A fun and enchanting story for the entire family, brimming with creativity and stunning animation, Spirited Away takes audiences on a journey filled with the wonder of imagination.

On 2-Disc DVD, Spirited Away includes:

• Original Japanese language track
• Introduction by John Lasseter (director of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life.)
• Behind The Microphone – voice talent featurette
• The Art of Spirited Away
• Select Storyboard To Scene Comparison
• Original Japanese trailers
• English subtitles
• English language track – in Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Spanish language track
• French language track

DVD features unrated and subject to change.

Street date: April 15, 2003

Running time: Approximately 125 minutes

DVD aspect ratio: 2.0:1-Enhanced for 16×9 television screens

Rated: “PG” For Some Scary Moments.

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

(English & Japanese tracks only)

ABOUT HAYAO MIYAZAKI?

Hayao Miyazaki has been hailed as an “animation magician,” “a stunning visual artist” and “the Disney of Japan.” His films are praised for their originality, dazzling animation and epic storytelling, earning him a place as one of the premiere animators in motion picture history. Although many American viewers are not aware of Hayao Miyazaki’s canon of work, he is one of Japan’s leading filmmakers and an icon in the field of animation. Several of his films have been among his country’s top box office successes in recent years, including Spirited Away which is the most successful film ever to play in Japan. Many of his films have become a beloved part of Japanese popular culture, in much the same way that Walt Disney’s work has been embraced by Americans.

Born in Tokyo in 1941, Hayao Miyazaki majored in political science and economics in college, but chose to take a low-paying position as an animator at Toei Animation after graduation. He was a diligent and talented employee who impressed his superior, Takahata Isao, and they went on to collaborate on a series of animated features that included Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, and Castle in the Sky. They founded their company, Studio Ghibli, during the making of the latter film. Kiki’s Delivery Service was made soon thereafter. The film became their first widespread popular success and paved the way for expansion of the studio in one large house on the edge of Tokyo. Many of their animated features that followed were blockbuster hits in Japan, often out-grossing the top international films. Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart and Porco Rosso are among these works. His adventure tale Princess Mononoke became a sensation in Japan that surpassed Titanic to become the #1 best-selling film in Japan of any film up to that time. Spirited Away has since broken all box-office records in Japan and is now the country’s #1 film.

Known as a hands-on worker whose influence is felt in virtually every frame of his features, Miyazaki makes films that closely reflect his tastes, interests and concerns. His beautiful animated vistas are alive and flowing, with lifelike color and movement.

Much of this is on display in Spirited Away, which contains scenes of staggering imagination, from the fantastic, seemingly infinite resort of the spirits to the amazing spirit creatures themselves. His stories contain unusual characters, intricate plots and emotional pathos rarely found in most feature animation, combining with his visual style to create films revered throughout the world by animation fans and critics alike.

Castle In The Sky

The Legendary Animated Classic

Miyazaki’s

All-Star Vocal Cast Includes James Van Der Beek, Anna Paquin, Cloris

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – From Hayao Miyazaki, often called “the Walt Disney of Japan,” comes Castle in the Sky, an incredible animated adventure on DVD (on 2-discs) available on April 15, 2003. A legendary film among animation fans and film buffs, Castle in the Sky enjoys its first-ever English language release with an all-star line-up of vocal talent, a lush music score and bonus DVD features. The DVD also includes the original Japanese language track. The spirited cast of Castle in the Sky includes James van der Beek (The Rules of Attraction, TV’s “Dawson’s Creek”), Academy Award . winner* Anna Paquin (25 th Hour, The X-Men), Academy Award . winner Cloris Leachman (The Last Picture Show, TV’s “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), Mandy Patinkin (TV’s “Chicago Hope”), Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Andy Dick (TV’s “Less Than Perfect,” “Newsradio”).

One of the most prominent and influential figures in international animation today, Miyazaki’s engaging films are known and loved across the globe for their compelling characters, entertaining plots and stunning animation. His work is a source of inspiration for fellow animators worldwide. Walt Disney Home Entertainment proudly presents a Studio Ghibli film, Castle in the Sky, priced to own for $29.99 (S.R.P.) on a 2-disc DVD and $19.99 on VHS.

Castle in the Sky takes audiences on a fantastic journey to a mythical retro-future full of amazing landscapes and wonderful flying machines. Pazu (James van der Beek), a young boy, finds the beautiful girl Sheeta (Anna Paquin) slowly descending from the sky wearing a mysterious crystal, one that allows her to float in the air. Sheeta can’t remember the crystal’s secret, but it becomes the target of a band of rabble-rousing sky pirates, and their hilarious leader (Cloris Leachman). Soon sinister agents are after them as well, along with the treacherous man called Muska (Mark Hamill). The chase leads them all to an astonishing castle in the sky, where a long-slumbering civilization waits with incredible surprises. This new DVD and VHS release features a sweeping new score by composer and Miyazaki

On 2-Disc DVD, Castle in the Sky includes:

• Original Japanese language track
• Introduction by John Lasseter (director of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life.)
• Behind The Microphone – voice talent featurette
• Original Japanese trailers
• Original Japanese storyboards
• English subtitles
• English language track in Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Spanish language track
• French language track

DVD features unrated and subject to change.

Street date: April 15, 2003

Running time: Approximately 125 minutes

DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16×9 televisions

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Kiki’s Delivery Service

On DVD For The First Time On April 15, 2003

Walt Disney Home Entertainment Presents A Studio Ghibli Film

All-Star Vocal Cast Includes Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman,

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – A “bewitching” cast of celebrity vocal talent highlights the first-ever DVD release of one of the most highly acclaimed international animated films of all time, as Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents a Studio Ghibli film, Kiki’s Delivery Service, available on April 15, 2003. Created by the legendary animation filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming family treat that features the stellar voice skills of Kirsten Dunst (“Spider-Man”), the late Phil Hartman (TV’s “News Radio”), Matthew Lawrence (TV’s “Boy Meets World”), Debbie Reynolds (“Mother”) and Janeane Garofalo (“Big Trouble”). The 2-disc DVD has many bonus features including the original Japanese language track. This charming coming-of-age tale of a spunky 13-year-old girl named Kiki and her talking cat has won over audiences worldwide. A sparkling gem of a family film with stunningly beautiful animation, Kiki’s Delivery Service is priced at a collectable $29.99 (S.R.P.) on a 2-disc DVD. The new VHS edition $19.99 (S.R.P.) includes the special bonus featurette on the voice talent, “Behind The Microphone.”

Kiki’s Delivery Service is the tale of a resourceful young witch named Kiki (Kirsten Dunst). Upon reaching her 13 th birthday, Kiki must leave home to find her place in the world. Along with her hilarious, outspoken black cat Jiji (Phil Hartman), Kiki flies off to a new town where she becomes the resident witch, using her broom to create a delivery service for a local bakery. Facing the “ups and downs” of growing up, Kiki learns valuable lessons about friendship, trust, disappointment and reward while discovering her own unique talents and a new friend, the inventive and enthusiastic Tombo (Matthew Lawrence).

Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds is the caring grandmother figure, Madame; and comedienne Janeane Garofalo is Kiki’s quirky artist friend, Ursula. Kiki learns that everyone – even a young witch – has to search and work hard to find happiness and fulfillment.

On 2-Disc DVD, Kiki’s Delivery Service includes:

• o Original Japanese language track
• Introduction by John Lasseter (director of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life.)
• Behind The Microphone – voice talent featurette
• Original Japanese trailers
• Original Japanese storyboards.

  o English subtitles

• English language track in Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Spanish language track
• French language track

DVD features unrated and subject to change.

Street date: April 15, 2003

Running time: Approximately 105 minutes

DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16×9 television screens

Rated: “G”

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Treasure Planet

From The Directors of Disney’s

Treasure Planet

A New Adventure For The Whole Family

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 -In the tradition of classic Disney storytelling comes a fun-filled family adventure as big as the galaxy, with uplifting messages of friendship, courage and self discovery! Set sail with Treasure Planet, coming to Disney DVD and VHS on April 29, 2003 from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

Directed by Aladdin and The Little Mermaid directors John Musker and Ron Clements, Treasure Planet takes a futuristic twist on Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous tale Treasure Island, a classic story about a boy in search of his dreams who discovers the greatest treasure hunt of all time. Combining Disney’s world-famous traditional animation, cutting-edge 3D computer animation and a top-notch vocal cast, Treasure Planet is an adventure that the whole family will enjoy. On Disney DVD, the film is accompanied by a slew of exciting bonus features, deleted scenes (includes alternate ending,) in-depth behind-the-scenes-looks at the artistry of the film, all-new games and much more (see attached for DVD details). The Disney DVD features state-of-the-art digital transfer picture and Dolby . Digital sound, presented in the animators’ original aspect ratio. Treasure Planet is available to own for $29.99 (S.R.P.) on Disney DVD and $24.99 on VHS.

On Disney DVD, Treasure Planet will include:

• Three Navigational Platforms including:

  • Visual Commentary
  • In addition to providing audio commentary, join the Producer and Directors as they take viewers behind the scenes and reveal movie secrets
  • Family Menu
  • Behind-The-Scenes Menu

• Deleted Scenes (includes alternate ending)

• RLS Legacy Game – Take a virtual 3-D tour of the ship and take the ultimate treasure hunt

• Disney’s Animation Magic – Go behind the scenes with Walt Disney Feature Animation Chairman Roy Disney

• Disney Pedia: The Life of A Pirate Revealed – Discover fun and interesting tales of the age of piracy

• Still Art Galleries

• Character Galleries

• Animation Featurette

• Dimensional Staging

• Merging 2D and 3D Worlds

• Music Featurette

• Music Video
• And Much More!

All DVD features unrated and subject to change.

A secret map inspires a thrilling treasure hunt across the universe as young Jim Hawkins (Joseph-Gordon Levitt, TV’s “3rd Rock From The Sun,” “Ten Things I Hate About You”) and a hilarious cosmic crew headed by the daring Captain Amelia (Emma Thompson, “Maybe Baby,” Academy Award . winner, Best Actress, “Howards End,” 1992) set off in search of their destiny. Aboard a glittering solar galleon, Jim meets the ship’s cyborg cook, John Silver (voiced by Broadway stage and three-time Tony Award nominee Brian Murray), who teaches him the value of friendship and the power of dreams. Jim soon teams up with his crazy new robot pal, B.E.N. (Martin Short, TV’s “Primetime Glick;” “Father of the Bride”), and the shape shifting Morph to discover a treasure greater than he ever imagined. It’s an animated adventure the whole family will want to experience over and over again.

Street date: April 29, 2003

Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD); $24.99 (VHS)

Rated: “PG” For Adventure Action And Peril

Bonus features unrated

Feature Running time:Approximately 95 minutes

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

THX . Certified

DVD aspect ratio: Widescreen 1.66:1 enhanced for 16×9 screens (original animators’ aspect ratio)

Treasure Island (live action)

Walt’s First All Live-Action Film – Finally On Dvd!

Treasure Island

Restored, Remastered, Timeless Gem

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – Ahoy, mateys! Come aboard the good ship Hispaniola and set sail in search of buried treasure in one of Disney’s most critically acclaimed adventure classics – the live-action Treasure Island, on DVD from Walt Disney Home Entertainment on April 29 for the first time. In his first all-live-action feature, Walt Disney has vividly brought to life Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale of buccaneers and buried gold. Authentic locales, rich color photography and musket-roaring action set the stage for the stouthearted heroics of young Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll) and the skullduggery of that wily, one-legged pirate of all pirates, Long John Silver (Robert Newton). For the kind of excitement that only treasure and treachery can bring, there’s no better destination that Treasure Island. This swashbuckling family movie treat is priced at $29.99 (S.R.P.) for the Disney DVD.

Street date: April 29 2003

Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD)

Rated: “PG”

Running time: Approximately 96 minutes

DVD aspect ratio: 1.33:1 – 4×3 presentation size

Sound: Dolby . Digital 2.0

Atlantis: Milo’s Return

All New On Disney DVD and VHS

Atlantis: Milo’s Return

The Animated Adventure Is Available On May 13

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – The fearless explorers from Disney’s hit animated Atlantis The Lost Empire are back with Atlantis: Milo’s Return, an all-new animated adventure coming to Disney DVD and VHS on May 13. Featuring the original voice cast from the first ‘Atlantis’ film, Atlantis: Milo’s Return on Disney DVD includes a special “Search For The Spear of Destiny” Game, deleted scene and more. This fast-paced, fun and action-packed film is available to own on Disney DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.) and on VHS for $19.99 (S.R.P.).

Street date: May 13

Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD); $19.99 (VHS)

Rated: “G”

Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes

DVD aspect ratio: 1.66:1 formatted for 16×9 screens

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

DTS . 5.1 Surround Sound

In Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Milo Thatch and company located the famous underwater city and saved the mysterious kingdom and all its people. Now, in ATLANTIS: MILO’S RETURN, Milo, Kida and their crew gear up for more action. The team must leave Atlantis when trouble surfaces above water, and they discover mystifying powers at work.

From the dusty deserts of the Southwest to the icy heights of the Nordic mountains, the team’s newest quest sets them against gigantic sea monsters, spectacular spirits and powerful legends. In the midst of their excursion, Kida discovers the awesome power of her city’s enchanted crystals and, ultimately, must decide whether it is wiser to hide the Heart of Atlantis or share its light with the rest of the world. Hold your breath and get ready to dive into a world of excitement with the all-new adventures of Atlantis.

DVD Bonus Features:

• The Search For The Spear Of Destiny Game: Race your sub through the endless underwater corridors of Atlantis searching for the final resting place of the Spear of Destiny! Using a new innovative random feature, players are presented with a different course almost every time in their race to save Atlantis. Along the way, players uncover facts about real lost cities of the world and their associated artifacts. Then, match the correct artifact with the lost city you’ve just learned about. If you’re correct, you can recover the Spear of Destiny and save Atlantis.
• Deleted Scene

• Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

• DTS . 5.1 Digital Surround Sound

• Widescreen (1.66:1) Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions

• French and Spanish language tracks

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

Available For The First Time On 2-Disc DVD

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

Starring Academy Award . Winner* Kirk Douglas

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – Climb aboard the fantastic undersea ship Nautilus and head for the adventure of a lifetime in Walt Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Special Edition DVD, available for the first time on a 2-disc DVD set on May 13. One of Disney’s most famous, most-requested films, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Special Edition DVD features Hollywood legends Kirk Douglas, James Mason and Peter Lorre in the rip-roaring version of Jules Verne’s famous story that generations of families treasure. On 2-disc DVD, this spectacular film is buoyed by a massive array of rarely viewed or never-before-seen bonus features that appeal to both first-time viewers and the most enthusiastic film fans. A mesmerizing masterpiece and unquestionably one of Walt Disney’s most enduring classics, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Special Edition DVD is priced to own for $29.99 (S.R.P.) in a collector’s 2-disc DVD set.

On 2-Disc DVD, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Special Edition DVD includes:

DISC ONE:

• Remastered version of the film

• Audio commentary with director Richard Fleischer

• Animated short: “Grand Canyonscope”

DISC TWO:

• The Making Of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

• Jules Verne & Walt Disney: Explorers of the Imagination

• The Humboldt Squid: A Real Sea Monster

• Lost Treasures: The Sunset Squid

• 1954 Disney Studio Album

• Production Gallery

• The Musical Legacy of Paul Smith

• Touring The Nautilus

• Storyboard-to-Scene Comparison

• Monsters Of The Deep

• Unused Animation

• Biographies: Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre, James Mason, Paul Lucas, Richard Fleischer

• Advertising: Lobby Cards, Posters and Merchandise

• Documents: Production Documents & Harper Goff Letter

• Screenplay Excerpt: Nemo’s Death

• Movie Merchandise

• Trims

• Theatrical Trailer

• Radio Spots

• Peter Lorre Audio Tracks

• Captain Nemo’s Organ Music

• Production Stills

• Production Art: Concept Art, Costumes, Storyboards

DVD bonus features unrated and subject to change.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is possibly the most elaborate live-action production that Walt Disney ever produced, and the Studio spared no expense in creating the undersea world of the film. Directed by Richard Fleischer, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea garnered two Academy Award . wins for Walt, (Best Special Effects & Best Art Direction, 1954) as well as an Oscar . nomination for Best Film Editing. The design and set of the Nautilus are classics that have thrilled generations of fans and filmmakers. The movie’s astonishing giant squid attack stands as one of Hollywood’s most famous scenes.

Truly one of Walt Disney’s classic live-action films, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea tells Jules Verne’s gripping story of Captain Nemo (James Mason), the brilliant but flawed sea captain who pits his incredible submarine Nautilus against the world. After attacking a Navy ship, Nemo rescues several survivors, including the feisty harpooner Ned Land (Kirk Douglas) and the Conseil (Peter Lorre). They find that Nemo is an unstable genius who has built the most advanced yet deadly craft in the world. Ned and his group persuade Nemo to share his inventions with mankind, but before he can do so, warships attack the Nautilus and force Ned and his friends to confront Nemo once and for all.

Street Date: May 13, 2003

Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 for 2-disc DVD

Running Time: Approximately 127 minutes

Rated: “G”

DVD Aspect Ratio: 2.55:1, enhanced for 16×9 screens

Sound:

Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

THX . Certified

Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase

Daytime Emmy Winner Rolie Polie Olie

Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase

Premiering Only On Disney DVD and Video on June 3

BURBANK, Calif., January 27, 2003 – All your favorite Rolie Polie characters are back in Rolie Polie Olie’s newest movie, Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase, premiering only on Disney DVD (with bonus features) and video on June 3 from Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Playhouse Disney. Olie, Zowie, along with new, never-before-seen characters and the rest of the adorable Polieville cast return in a zany, out-of-this-world adventure. Based on the acclaimed books by children’s author and illustrator William Joyce, the movie is priced to own at $24.99 (S.R.P.) for Disney DVD and $19.99 for VHS (S.R.P.).

In Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase, there are two new ‘bots in town, and Olie and Zowie can’t wait to welcome them to Polieville. A set of adorable baby twins have landed in Polievile from outer space, but what planet did they come from? After the baby ‘bot chase, Olie and Zowie along with the rest of the Polie family find out. The answer is fun for everyone.

Olie premiered on the Disney Channel’s “Rolie Polie Olie” television series and was named the winner of the 2000 Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Special Class Animated Program.” Rolie Polie Olie is also a Parents’ Choice “Silver Honor” award winner. (more).

On DVD, Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase includes exclusive, fun bonus features:

• “Burping Baby Bot” Activity
• “Where’s Baby?” Game

Street Date: June 3

Price: DVD $24.99 (S.R.P.); VHS $19.99 (S.R.P.)

Sound: Dolby . Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Running Time: Approximately 70 minutes

Rated: “G”

Contact Kevin Krock at dockrock@mouseplanet.com.